Alumnae News

CAREER FAIR

Alumnae Return Chez Nous

Last February more than 50 alumnae, parents and friends of Notre Dame returned to campus to be a part of the inaugural ND Career Fair. In years past, this event has been a panel discussion that would include a small group of alumnae, who spoke to the entire student body about their current careers. There was a limited number of career fields represented, however, and a plan to widen this scope was designed, resulting in the inaugural Career Fair.

The new format allowed the school to host a wider range of professionals in a larger setting with various booths set up around the Dolan Center. The careers represented included lawyers, engineers, architects, judges, research analysts, publicists, social workers, surgeons, registered nurses, directors and entrepreneurs, among many others. The goal was to give students time to visit as many booths as possible. By doing so, the students learned how to network; how to ask appropriate questions; and how to gain more information regarding careers they may have never considered before. Leading up to the event, the counselors worked with the students on dress code, professional manners, and interview skills.

The fair was a huge success. The Dolan Center was abuzz with conversations, suggestions, and advice from a multitude of professionals who volunteered to be there. The students said they obtained a great deal of knowledge from meeting an array of leaders in various fields. And the alumnae who returned thoroughly enjoyed seeing the vibrant campus in action, and meeting the next generation of ND leaders.

Notre Dame School’s next Career Day will be held on February 2, 2021

COLLEGE PANEL Recent Graduates Share Their Stories

CLASS CHAIRS WANTED

The support of our alumnae is imperative as it allows our dedicated faculty and staff the opportunity to preserve Anne de Xainctonge’s vision of an education that provides academic excellence, spiritual formation, and engagement in the world for our Chez Nous girls. For this reason, we have established a Class Chair opportunity to help strengthen the relationships among our alumnae and the greater Chez Nous community.

The college process can be a daunting one, but not with the outstanding ND Counseling Department. Ms. Lauren Cimera, Ms. Dashea Hickson, and Ms. Carly Savino make up the ND counseling team, who are dedicated to supporting all the students’ needs, especially during the college process. In addition to guiding them on the college essay, college selection and majors, every year they invite back young alumnae to speak on their own processes; how they chose their schools; and the resulting college experiences they are having now.

This past year, a record number of alumnae offered to help out, with more than 20 alumnae returning to campus to participate in the panel. They came from colleges all over the country and were excited to share their stories with the eager students. Moderated by the counselors, these enthusiastic alumnae gave practical advice and answered questions on writing essays, choices of majors and campus visits. The ND students were very grateful for the valuable insights into the process and college life from their older Chez Nous sisters, and the young graduates were thrilled to be back on campus.

Notre Dame School’s next College Panel will be held on January 6, 2021

We are looking for TWO to FIVE alumnae from each graduating class to act as liaisons between their classmates and the school. Some of the responsibilities include:

Soliciting Class Notes for ND’s annual Encore Chez Nous magazine

Obtaining current class contact information

Promoting alumnae events and reunions

Supporting the Annual Fund

Please contact Elizabeth Bixenman, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, at bixenmane@cheznous.org if interested or you would like to learn more.